Four charged after allegedly buying pseudoephedrine in Oliver Springs

Oliver Springs police officers arrested two men and two women on methamphetamine-related charges last Monday after a traffic violation.

by Beverly Majors

Oliver Springs police officers arrested two men and two women on methamphetamine-related charges last Monday after a traffic violation.

Oliver Springs police reports said Officer Nathaniel Nelson stopped a gold Honda with four people inside for a window tint violation shortly after 3 p.m. Monday on East Tri-County Boulevard in Oliver Springs. According to reports, Sgt. Charlie Graham had also received information about possible "smurfing," a term used with the purchase of large amounts of pseudoephedrine for making methamphetamine.

After stopping the car and getting identifications, the driver, 37-year-old Mandy Doreen Veach, 306 Island Road, Jacksboro, reportedly told Sgt. Graham she had not purchased Sudafed but the passengers in her car purchased the over-the-counter cold medication at Rite Aid.

Veach reportedly told the officers she "was only driving" the others, but was to make money on the purchases and for driving.

Nelson noticed a plastic bag in Cantrell's pants when she got out of the car and when she removed it, another bag fell out also, reports said. Both bags reportedly contained Sudafed.

Cantrell told the officers she had hidden the medication at the request of Hill, her boyfriend, but admitted she had intended to take the medication to a friend who would make meth for them. Records indicate she also is listed as living in LaFollette.

The officers found a hypodermic syringe in Hill's pocket and Sudafed in Braden's pocket. When they were taken to the Oliver Springs Police Department, Hill reportedly kicked Braden and spit in his face, and accused him of planting the syringe. Reports also said Hill "stuffed two broke hypodermic needles and two packs of Suboxone films in the seat" of Nelson's police car.

All four were charged with promotion of meth manufacture. Veach and Cantrell were each additionally charged with facilitation of a felony. Braden was also charged with possession of Schedule II drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia, and Hill was additionally charged with criminal responsibility, assault, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II drugs and resisting arrest.

All four are being held in the Anderson County jail and are scheduled for a court hearing on March 28.